The Shelby County Republican Party Headquarters is now officially open for business. More than 50 members hosted the recent grand opening, among them many of Shelby County’s elected officials.

The GOP Headquarters is located in the 2166 Building on Highway 31 in Pelham between Valleydale Road and Highway 119.

The office is stocked with an abundance of yard signs, bumper stickers, political buttons and campaign materials for local and statewide Republican candidates.

Beth Chapman, chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party said, &uot;This year presents an excellent opportunity for the Republican Party to move forward and to move back into the Governor’s Office with Congressman Bob Riley at the helm. The people of this state are sick and tired of business as usual and million dollar no bid contracts going to the cronies and good old boys.&uot;

Chapman said the people of Alabama want change in Montgomery &045; &uot;A leaner, more efficient, more effective government that will work for all the people and not just the politicians,&uot; she said.

&uot;Bob Riley can offer that change and bring proven business experience and a strong work ethic into the political arena where it is most needed.&uot;

Shelby County Republicans have three distinct reasons to turn out to vote in record numbers this year.

With James Jones, Republican sheriff of 12 years retiring, it is an outstanding opportunity to keep Shelby County as one of only a handful of counties in the state protected by a Republican sheriff.

Chris Curry is the Republican nominee and with several years’ service in the office is a most promising candidate to replace Jones.

Shelby County voters also have two of their own on the statewide ticket with Chapman seeking the office of state auditor and Bill Armistead seeking the office of Lt. Gov.

Both jobs are Constitutional Offices of which there are only seven statewide, and both could greatly benefit Shelby County.

The Shelby County Republican Party Headquarters is open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For information, call 989-3GOP (989-3467)